When you go to a hearing healthcare provider, it's not just about buying something to put in your ear and instantly fixing the problem. That's like thinking you can lose weight just by taking a magic pill. If you find one that works, let me know!
You've already started by reading this. The next step is understanding that treating hearing and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is necessary to prevent further damage. Untreated hearing loss can lead to memory problems, dementia, and falling, all of which can make you feel less confident and independent.
It's important to see a qualified audiologist or hearing specialist every year starting at age fifty. Taking care of your hearing is like taking care of a car: it's easier and cheaper to maintain it regularly than to fix big problems later. Even if you start late, you might not need a big treatment plan. But if you do have hearing loss or tinnitus, the sooner you know, the better. Just like with other medical conditions, catching it early makes it easier to treat.
Hearing healthcare is about more than just hearing. It affects your brain, memory, and emotional well-being. Recent studies show that treating hearing loss is the top way to avoid cognitive decline and dementia.
Why It’s Important
-People who hear well stay more active, join in more social and family activities, and stay independent longer.
-Treating hearing loss can reduce the risk of memory loss and dementia. A 2020 study found that 97.3% of people who treated their hearing loss showed improvement or stability in their cognitive function after 18 months.
-Treating hearing loss can reduce or eliminate tinnitus.
-People with treated hearing loss have fewer serious falls, which can be very costly and shorten life spans.
-Hearing properly makes people feel better about themselves, which can boost confidence and earning potential if they are still working.
-Some people delay getting treatment, but these problems don't fix themselves. Hearing loss is a progressive disorder that gets worse over time. The longer it goes untreated, the harder it is to fix.
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